Event Planning Manager

Renaissance Orlando Resort and Spa; Lake Buena Vista (FL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

Renaissance Orlando Resort and Spa in Lake Buena Vista, FL, seeks an Event Planning Manager to lead planning and execution of meetings, conferences, and banquets. You will partner with guests, sales and operations to ensure flawless service and maximize revenue.

This role requires strong organization, negotiation, and problem‑solving skills, with experience in hotel sales and event logistics; opportunities for career progression and a dynamic, guest‑focused team culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent hospitality experience.
• Strong negotiation and contract interpretation skills.
• Proven ability to communicate clearly with clients and internal teams.

Responsibilities

• Plan function details with guests and hotel department heads, including space, publicity and timing.
• Quote pricing and outline available facilities and services.
• Coordinate pre- and post-con meetings; ensure smooth execution of events.
• Manage VIP amenities, rooming lists and billing as needed.
• Upsell opportunities to maximize revenue and maintain price integrity.

Skills

Sales

Negotiation

Customer service

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Marriott CI/TY

Delphi

Daylight

ISAC

Job description

Elevate your career by joining the vibrant team at Renaissance Orlando Resort and Spa! Located in the heart of the magic, our resort offers an exhilarating work environment just steps away from Disney's world-renowned attractions. We are seeking energetic and passionate individuals to be part of our dynamic team. With modern luxury, exceptional amenities, and a commitment to extraordinary guest experiences, Renaissance Orlando is the perfect place to showcase and develop your hospitality skills. As a team member, you'll be part of a culture that values innovation, excellence, and growth, with ample opportunities for career advancement. Join us in creating unforgettable moments for our guests in a high-energy, fun-filled setting.

Overview

Event Planning Manager acts a liaison between the customer and hotel sales person to provide direction and supervision during execution of meeting and banquet functions or event. Will be available to customers during event to solve problems and suggest alternatives to previous arrangements. They will directly serve group and catering customers in a proactive manner working with the logistics of group room blocks, food and beverage, public meeting space, and billing processes. Will play an important role in the achievement of re-booking group business for future dates while demonstrating effective upsell skills to obtain maximum profit.

Responsibilities

• Analyze requirement of function, outline available hotel facilities and services offered and quote pricing.
• Confer with guest and hotel department heads to plan function details, such as space requirements, publicity, time schedule, food service and decorations.
• Communicate accurately to operations the details needed to satisfy the contract and client needs.
• Prepare for and attend all applicable pre-cons and post-cons.
• Arrange for VIP amenities to be delivered.
• Check on functions regularly as they are being executed for groups.
• Prepare and send advance brochures/menus to prospective customers.
• Prepare and receive cash deposits, billing and payments.
• Sell liquor in accordance with state liquor laws.
• Work with Executive Chef in menu planning to maximize revenue based on customer budget.
• Work with group sales on menu planning in order to maximize food and beverage revenues from groups.
• Execute guarantee and cut-off policies.
• Create, review and revise rooming lists and VIP lists.
• Prepare letters, proposals, BEO’s, thank‑you notes, etc.
• Pre-check room setups, prior to arrival of the group.
• Know meeting room set‑ups and capabilities.
• Know sleeping room configurations and types.
• Manage the function book and adjust space in order to ensure maximum potential revenue.
• Follow up on all turn‑overs within 24 hours via telephone and within 3 days with written correspondence.
• Respond to requests by Meeting Planners immediately.
• Maintain price integrity both in rooms and food and beverage.
• Manage existing accounts and follow up with client re‑solicitation to capture future business.
• Participate in training, trade shows, field trips and community, industry and professional organizations to maintain high visibility in support of the achievement of sales and revenue goals.
• Davidson Lead Referral Program. Actively seek business opportunities for other company‑managed hotels.
• Meet or exceed goals set by the DOS, DOC and/or DOCS.
• Responsible for increasing overall revenue per attendee via aggressive upselling techniques, rooms management strategies, value added offerings and other creative methods.
• Relay accurate forecasting information for rolling forecast.
• Promote employee empowerment.
• Demonstrate positive leadership characteristics, which inspire employees.
• Report all unsafe conditions immediately.
• Complete other duties as assigned by supervisor to include cross training.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and/or 2+ years of hotel sales experience.
• 1 year food and beverage experience.
• Experience with major Hospitality Sales CRM system, i.e. Marriott CI/TY (highly preferred) Delphi, Daylight and/or brand CRM such as or Starwood ISAC is preferred
• Strong understanding of negotiation and interpretation of contracts.
• Developed business communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Understanding/knowledge of Microsoft office.
• Confident and professional appearance.
• Proactive approach, assertive and fast paced, driven to succeed.
• Execute and support Hotel Customer Service Standards and Hotel’s Brand Standards.
• Work well under pressure.
• Time management skills. Being able to work on multiple projects with desired outcome for each.
• Ability to communicate effectively with public and other employees.
• Creativity in designing events.
• Working knowledge of banquet department (sets, AV equipment, scheduling, menu planning).
• Ability to design menus in conjunction with the culinary department to maximize operating profit.
• Experience with major Hospitality Sales CRM system, i.e. Delphi, Daylight and/or brand CRM such as Marriott CI/TY or Starwood ISAC is preferred.

Benefits

Davidson Hospitality Group is an award‑winning, full‑service hospitality management company overseeing hotels, restaurants, dining and entertainment venues across the US. A trusted partner and preferred operator for Hilton, Hyatt, Kimpton, Marriott, and Margaritaville, Davidson offers a unique entrepreneurial management style and owners’ mentality that provides the individualized personal service of a small company, enhanced by the breadth and depth of skill and experience of a larger company. In keeping with the company’s heritage of delivering value, Davidson is comprised of four highly specialized operating verticals: Davidson Hotels, Pivot, Davidson Resorts and Davidson Restaurant Group.

In keeping with the company’s heritage of delivering value to its owners and team members, Davidson offers a rich benefit program with a variety of benefits designed to enrich the lives and well‑being of our team members and their families.

• Multiple Tiers of Medical Coverage
• Dental & Vision Coverage
• 24/7 Teledoc service
• Free Maintenance Medications
• Pet Insurance
• Hotel Discounts
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Time Off (vacation, sick, bereavement, and Holidays).
• 401K Match

Working at Davidson is like nowhere else. It’s less of a job, more of a calling. It’s part career, part revolution. Because whatever you do here, you play a part in helping redefine the way quality hospitality is delivered to our guests, our clients, our partners, and each other.

EOE AA- Minorities/Females/Vet/Disability/Gender Identity/Sexual Orientation

Davidson Hospitality is a drug free workplace. Pre‑employment drug test and background check required. We participate in E‑Verify.